Common causes of urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections are a pain, but they can also be dangerous. These infections are more than simply painful. If the infection isn’t dealt with, it can spread to the kidneys and harm other parts of your body too. Knowing these common causes of urinary tract infections can help you be proactive, to avoid getting them in the first place.

Dehydration

Probably the most common cause of urinary tract infections is dehydration. It’s also one of the most easily preventable. Make sure you drink between 8 and 10 glasses of liquid every day, mostly water, and you’ll find that you rarely get a urinary tract infection.

Improper Bathroom Hygiene

The way you clean up after you use the toilet can either cause or help to prevent, urinary tract infections. As most of you have learned, the correct way to clean this sensitive area is from front to back. If you do the opposite, you will drag the bacteria from the rectum to the urethra, potentially causing an infection.

Sexual Activity

Engaging in sexual activity can also trigger such infections. While having sex, pressure is exerted on the urinary system. This can transfer bacteria around the rectum to the urinary tract. Fortunately, the body can usually remove these pathogens on its own. Always pee after sex to flush out any potentially nasty bacteria, then wash up with plain water.

Urinary Tract Blockages

When there is a blockage of the urinary tract, bacteria can build up and quickly multiply. Blockages may be caused by several issues like kidney stones, enlarged prostate, even tumours, or cancer, so if you think you have a urinary tract blockage please see a doctor right away.

Diarrhoea

People with diarrhoea are more susceptible to getting urinary tract infections because continuous defecating can cause bacteria to frequently spread to the urethra. It is always a good idea to get diarrhoea treated before it gets the chance to infect your urinary system as well.

Spermicide

The constant use of spermicide greatly increases the risk of getting a urinary tract infection. Think twice before you use it over and over.

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